Category: Braces

Orthodontic treatment with braces can hurt occasionally, but most often, the “hurt” reported by a patient is more of a “discomfort.” The best way to avoid and reduce any possible pain or discomfort is to keep a conscientious care schedule. Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics knows that a patient who is consistently experiencing pain or discomfort associated with their braces near Montrose, NY should be examined for any problems with their orthodontic appliances.

Why do braces hurt?

The mouth is a very sensitive part of the body. Adding new brackets, wires, and other appliances to the teeth may cause an orthodontic patient some occasional pain or discomfort. But most people don’t understand or even care why they are in pain. Pain from orthodontic treatments with braces may be cause by a variety of factors:

Irritation inside the mouth: Your mouth will need a few days to adjust once they have been fitted and your teeth and gums are interacting with your appliances for the first time. These new additions to your teeth require your mouth to get comfortable with their presence. However, once the two are comfortable, the irritation will ease over time.

Broken bracket: Your braces are constantly working. Because of this, there is always a possibility that something can break. Broken brackets should be expected, and they happen to almost everyone at least once during treatment. This can cause some pain and irritation because the broken bracket may poke at or tear the delicate surfaces in the mouth (especially if you have traditional metal braces). If this occurs, make an appointment with Dr. Barry Glaser and Glaser Orthodontics near Montrose NY, as soon as possible to fix the problem and make sure no further problems or pain occurs.

Shifting of teeth: Braces shift your teeth to give you the healthy, picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. It’s important to know that the shifting of the teeth is what causes the most pain when it comes to braces. When your braces are tightened, they are working harder to align your teeth and essentially changing your teeth’s position in your mouth.

How do I keep my braces from hurting me?

To help you avoid minor pain or discomfort during your course of treatment:

Avoid hard foods. Dr. Barry Glaser says that hard foods should be avoided, especially after an adjustment appointment. The extra effort to chew these foods may cause or exacerbate any discomfort the patient may already feel. When your braces hurt, stick to soft foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc.

Take over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed medication. When your teeth are hurting, Dr. Barry Glaser recommends taking an over-the-counter medicine that to lessen any pain. Medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help ease the pain until your teeth and gums get used to their new positioning.

Braces may hurt, at least initially, because of how they work inside the mouth. The result with this orthodontic treatment, however, is a mouth of straight, functional, and healthy teeth and gums.

Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in braces. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen near Montrose, NY, Peekskill NY, Cortlandt Manor, NY, Cold Spring, NY, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Westchester, NY, or surrounding areas, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Barry Glaser, contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914-739-6400.

Dr. Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics recommends to their patients who play sports in the Montrose, NY area that they wear a mouthguardso that their teeth and braces stay protected while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

What do mouth guards do?

Mouth guards help prevent injuries to the teeth and jaws when patients get active in sports or physical activities. They are mandatory in collision sports such as football, hockey, and boxing where the risk of injury is likely. Children and adults involved in incidental contact sports like basketball, baseball, wrestling, soccer, and volleyball are now wearing mouth guards to prevent injuries to the mouth.

While undergoing treatment with braces, it becomes even more important to wear a mouthguard. Anything that can result in broken brackets or wires needs to be prevented for the sake of your teeth, mouth, and treatment.

Orthodontic mouth guards

Orthodontic mouth guards are available only by orthodontists like Dr. Glaser in the Montrose, NY area. These mouthguards may be more expensive than the others, but they are customized to fit and protect the teeth and braces. Orthodontic mouth guards offer the most comfort and protection of any other type of mouth guard available.

Playing sports with Invisalign

Dr. Glaser and the professionals at Glaser Orthodontics know that playing sports during orthodontic treatment in the Montrose, NY area is easier and safer with Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign is made of a clear thermoplastic material, meaning that they are not very susceptible to damage during sports activities.

They can be worn during physical activity without anything causing irritation to the soft tissues of the mouth.

Invisalign is less likely to be damaged by strenuous activity or impact.

Invisalign is removable so that sports-specific equipment like mouth guards can be worn.

Dr. Glaser and the pros at Glaser Orthodontics in the Montrose, NY area care about your well-being and smile with orthodontic treatment. They want to make sure both have the best protection during any kind of physical activity. For more information on orthodontic mouthguards and/or orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign with Dr. Glaser, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Glaser Orthodontics today!

Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in braces and Invisalign. If you have any questions pertaining to braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or Invisalign Teen in Montrose, NY, Cortlandt Manor, NY, Cold Spring, NY, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, Westchester County, NY or the 10548 zip code area, or would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Barry Glaser contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914-739-6400

Dr. Barry Glaser and the Glaser Orthodontics staff take the time to instruct each of their orthodontics patients in the Jefferson Valley, NY area how to floss while they are being treated with braces. Wearing braces on the teeth can make good oral hygiene habits difficult to perform, can create spaces where food debris can collect, and they provide an environment for bacteria to thrive. Good brushing and flossing techniques and habits while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces is often a challenge, but flossing with braces can be accomplished effectively once equipped with a little advice.

Why floss with braces?

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) advises that flossing is just as important as brushing in a conscientiously applied regimen of good oral hygiene. Toothbrushes are great for cleaning plaque from the fronts and back surfaces of the teeth, but they simply cannot reach the sides, in between the teeth, and along the gumline. Food debris in the mouth feeds bacteria. The bacteria in the mouth creates acid that causes bad breath and breaks down tooth enamel. Flossing removes most of this acid-causing food debris to keep teeth healthier and breath fresher. All of this becomes even more prevalent while undergoing treatment with braces because of the brackets and wires that often become a catch-all for food and bacteria.

Get in the game.

A floss pick is an instrument that is effective at keeping braces clean and clear of food debris. A piece of dental floss spans a space at one end, kind of like a harp. The other end is a tapered point that can be used to force food debris from behind the wires, around the brackets, and in between the teeth. Floss picks are available for both children and adults and may be either reusable or single use. A floss threader is a thin piece of plastic with a loop at the end to hold the floss. The plastic piece is threaded above or below the wires to access the spaces between teeth. You can learn more about the different kinds of orthodontic floss and find out which is the best for you here.

Up your game.

There is actually a technique for flossing that is proven to help effectively remove plaque from teeth. Carefully manipulating the dental floss between the teeth and into a “C” shape is a good method to clean the back surfaces of the teeth, including down by the gumline. Make an up-and-down motion against the tooth, keeping the floss tight against the surface. Floss each tooth individually and move in sequence. Keep going until each tooth has been flossed. A Waterpik water flosser is an oft recommended method of flossing. It may be more effective than dental floss and works with a pulsating stream of water to flush out food or particles stuck between teeth and gums and to remove the plaque that can build up on braces.

Stay on the scoreboard.

A conscientious oral hygiene regimen including a fluoride toothpaste, anti-plaque mouthwash, and thorough flossing is the program patients near Jefferson Valley, NY can rely on to keep their mouth after braces clean, healthy, and in the best condition possible. Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics coach their patients to a winning treatment outcome every time. They are important teammates in their patients oral health care. For more information about how to floss with braces, or to schedule an appointment, contact Glaser Orthodontics today at: 914.739.6400

Of all of the treatment plan options Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics near Jefferson Valley, NY, most patients choose treatment with either traditional metal braces vs Invisalign clear aligners.

When considering a plan for orthodontic treatment, it can be difficult to decide which plan is best for you or your child’s needs. So many factors need to be considered (price, length of treatment, comfort and convenience, visibility). It can be difficult to divine which pros outweigh which cons.

No matter which treatment plan you choose, braces vs Invisalign, they both address similar issues and offer similar treatment outcomes. Invisalign provides patients with an invisible, comfortable, and convenient orthodontic appliance; braces provide patients with a reliable and proven solution that is designed to treat even the most difficult cases.

Dr. Barry Glaser offers both types of treatments and is here to explain the upsides and downsides of each orthodontic treatment approach.

Some differences between braces and Invisalign

Braces

Today’s metal braces are more comfortable and less noticeable in the mouth. Braces are constructed of a bracket, bonding, or band and an archwire that controls the movement and realignment of your bite, teeth, and jaw. Braces provide the quick treatment outcomes that some patients are looking for. Younger patients tolerate metal braces especially well. Metal braces:

Can handle all types of orthodontic cases.

Require extra care and handling when brushing and cleaning teeth.

Come with some common-sense food restrictions.

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners give the patient a more flexible approach toward treatment and is recommended more for adults and teens. Invisalign clear aligners give patients easy-to-care-for usability, form-fitting comfort, and the flexibility needed to function confidently throughout their day while wearing an orthodontic appliance. Orthodontic treatments with Invisalign with Dr. Barry Glaser allow patients to eat almost any type of food (because they are removable by the patient); brush and floss their teeth normally (i.e., without the hassles involved with brushing and flossing while wearing a fixed appliance), and ultimately take on their day-to-day activities without the worry of being pegged as a braces wearer.

Aligners are clear (virtually invisible).

Aligners are removable (so you can floss, brush, and eat as usual).

Aligners are made of a plastic (which won’t irritate the soft tissue inside your mouth).

Invisalign is an essentially invisible fix that let patients conduct their day without their orthodontic appliance affecting the appearance of the teeth and mouth. Invisalign clear plastic aligner trays are easy to keep clean and ensure healthy dental development for the wearer. Invisalign aligners do require the patient to wear the appliance as long as 22 hours a day.

Today, adults wearing braces make up about half of all orthodontic patients in the United States. It is never too late for an adult to attain a healthier mouth, straighter teeth, and a perfect smile. Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics near Croton-on-Hudson, NY are experts in adult orthodontic treatment.

There is a general misconception that braces are worn only by children and teenagers. But, orthodontic treatments with braces have evolved considerably in recent years. Braces have become more lightweight and easier to install and remove. At Glaser Orthodontics, adults are choosing orthodontic treatments with adult braces more and more frequently.

Why Adult Braces?

Misaligned or crooked teeth (malocclusions) affect our appearance and our self-esteem, and poor dental and oral health care can be a contributing cause to a number of adult-related health care concerns.

Improperly aligned teeth can cause problems chewing food, which may lead to gastrointestinal complications. Misaligned teeth and crossbites can trap food and increase the likelihood of plaque buildup. These conditions increase the chances of an adult patient developing gum disease and other more serious health-related complications (tooth decay, toothaches, earaches, and headaches). A crooked-toothed smile may also cause problems with public speaking, cause self-image concerns, and even prevent professional growth and advancement.

Dr. Barry Glaser understands the reasons why an adult near Croton-on-Hudson, NY may need to wear braces, and he helps each patient attain their adult treatment goals with sensitivity and compassion.

What are the Different Types of Adult Braces?

The Glaser Orthodontics team offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options currently available for adults.

Traditional Metal Braces: These are made of high-quality stainless steel, and many orthodontists feel that they are the most effective devices for straightening teeth, especially in cases where there may be severe misalignment. They often produce the desired treatment outcomes faster than any other type of braces.

Clear Ceramic Braces: Clear ceramic braces for adults are fitted to the front of the teeth and match the color of the individual’s teeth. Many people who want their braces to be less conspicuous, for aesthetic or professional reasons prefer clear ceramic braces.

Lingual or Concealed Braces: Lingual braces have brackets that keep them in place and are affixed to the back of the teeth. These braces are not outwardly visible.

Invisalign a.k.a clear aligners: Clear, easily removed plastic tray aligners that are ideal for adult patients with mild teeth-spacing issues. The aligners are able to be removed while eating, when brushing teeth, and when flossing. This is a healthy and hygienic choice for adults considering braces near Croton-on-Hudson, NY. These braces are almost invisible and are preferred by people who feel self-conscious about appearing in public with braces on.

At Glaser Orthodontics, Invisalign treatment is quickly gaining popularity and often a top choice for our adult patients.

If you have misaligned or crooked teeth, or just want to improve your smile, adult braces may be the right choice for you. Remember, there is no age limit for treatment for an existing orthodontic problem. The only way to find out what adult orthodontic treatment procedure is right for you is by scheduling a free consultation with Glaser Orthodontics near Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Call Dr. Barry Glaser today at: 914.739.6400

Orthodontic treatment with braces can be uncomfortable occasionally, but most often, the “hurt” reported by a patient is more of a feeling of pressure and can be more accurately described as “discomfort.” The best way to avoid or reduce any discomfort that may be associated with braces is to keep a conscientious care schedule. Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics knows that a patient who is consistently experiencing pain or discomfort associated with their braces near Yorktown Heights, NY should be examined for any problems with their orthodontic appliances.

What is this feeling?

The mouth is a very sensitive part of the body. For any type of braces, adding new brackets, wires, and other appliances to the teeth may cause an orthodontic patient some occasional discomfort. But most people don’t understand or even care why they are feeling this way. Discomfort associated with this orthodontic treatment may be caused by a variety of factors:

Irritation inside the mouth: Your mouth will need a few days to adjust once your new braces have been fitted and your teeth and gums are interacting with your appliances for the first time. These new additions to your teeth require your mouth to get comfortable with their presence. However, once the two are comfortable, the irritation will ease over time.

Broken bracket: Your braces are constantly working. Because of this, there is always a possibility that something can break. Broken brackets should be expected, and they happen to almost everyone at least once during treatment. This can cause some pain and irritation because the broken bracket may poke at or tear the delicate surfaces in the mouth (especially if you have traditional metal ones). If this occurs, make an appointment with Dr. Barry Glaser and Glaser Orthodontics as soon as possible to fix the problem and make sure no further problems or pain occurs.

Shifting of teeth: Braces shift your teeth to give you the healthy, picture-perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of. It’s important to know that the shifting of the teeth is what causes the most pain. When the brackets are tightened, they are working harder to align your teeth and essentially changing your teeth’s position in your mouth.

How do I keep my braces comfortable?

To help you avoid any discomfort you may experience during your course of treatment:

Avoid hard foods. Dr. Barry Glaser says that hard foods should be avoided, especially after an adjustment appointment. The extra effort to chew these foods may cause or exacerbate any discomfort the patient may already feel. When your braces hurt, stick to soft foods such as pasta, mashed potatoes, yogurt, bananas, etc.

Take over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed medication. When your teeth are hurting because of braces, Dr. Barry Glaser recommends taking an over-the-counter medicine that to lessen any pain. Medicines such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve can help ease the pain until your teeth and gums get used to their new positioning.

Braces may hurt, at least initially, because of how they work inside the mouth. The result of orthodontic treatment with braces, however, is a mouth of straight, functional, and healthy teeth and gums.

Adults who are considering orthodontic treatment with braces near Putnam County, NY are finding that the patients of Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics have more positive treatment experiences and more successful outcomes.

A concern for adults considering adult orthodontic treatment with braces is that their treatment will not fit into their otherwise busy schedules, and that orthodontic care will become a burden. Adult patients of Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are advised to follow these simple steps to minimize their efforts and to maximize the successful outcome of their treatment with braces.

Pick a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle. The first step in ensuring that your orthodontic treatment goes well is selecting a treatment plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. Adult patients of Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Name Orthodontics are able to explore the many treatment options available to them including traditional metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligners.

Know the care requirements of each treatment option. Dr. Barry Glaser will meet with you and discuss in more detail the benefits and drawbacks of each system to help you determine what option is right for you. Clear braces sometimes require more careful care, as they are easier to stain and break. Invisalign is removable and easy to clean. But, if you are extremely busy and tend to lose things, the removable nature of Invisalign makes it easy to misplace or forget.

Keep your adjustment appointments. Any setback or delay in treatment, even if it is a small one, may compromise the timing of your treatment. During these appointments, Dr. Barry Glaser will check on your progress and make any adjustments to your appliance that are needed to keep your teeth moving correctly. Conscientious adherence to adjustment schedules will ensure that your treatment will always be progressing on schedule, and you may even finish your orthodontic treatments earlier.

Use appliances as directed. Sometimes appliances like rubber bands or retainers will need to be employed during your treatment. Dr. Barry Glaser recommends to his patients to always wear these appliances exactly as directed and to make wearing them part of their daily routine. Reserve some time daily (at the same time, perhaps after lunch or right when you wake up) to care for your braces and appliances properly, so that eventually it feels second nature. A consistent daily regimen of care, following the directions appropriate for your treatment, will help relieve the stress of worrying about tending to your orthodontics.

Dr. Barry Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics are the experts in adult orthodontics near Putnam County, NY. If you have any questions about traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, or if would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barry Glaser contact Glaser Orthodontics at: 914.739.6400

Many orthodontics patients with braces are unsure of what foods are restricted in their diets. Many also believe the list of foods to avoid is longer than it actually is. Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics shares some ideas about what foods are safely enjoyed and which foods are best to avoid eating while wearing braces near Yorktown, NY.

It is true that during your treatment with braces there are limitations on what you can eat. But the time (and money) invested in them is well worth coping with these limitations. The payoff is a perfectly straight, healthy, and attractive smile.

What foods can be enjoyed during your treatment?

There are many delicious food options that can be eaten while wearing braces including:

Bananas

Yogurt

Soup

Cheese

Pasta

Mashed Potatoes

Dr. Barry Glaser wants to make sure that every patient with braces eats healthy food and gets enough daily nutrients. Here are some meal ideas that are safe for patients with this orthodontic treatment. Perhaps there is a family favorite among some of these delicious meal options:

Lasagna. Lasagna is a great dinner because it provides many food groups in one dish, is tasty, and is soft.

Grilled Chicken and Vegetables. While meat from a bone can cause damage to your braces, deboned meats like chicken breast can be eaten. Chicken pairs nicely with vegetables like broccoli.

Chicken Noodle Soup. Chicken noodle soup gives you many necessary nutrients because of the variety of ingredients that can be added. Soup is also a filling and tasty meal and will not damage your braces.

What foods should be avoided?

While wearing braces, the three types of food that should be avoided are hard, sticky, and chewy foods. These types of food should be avoided because they can get stuck in your braces easily and be difficult and sometimes painful to get out. Some food categories that should be avoided are:

Gum

Popcorn

Ice

Caramel

Pretzels

Raw vegetables

Steak

Hard candies

Some of these foods do not have to be completely avoided, however. Foods like vegetables, steak, and pretzels can be broken or cut up into smaller pieces and then eaten safely.

There are many foods which are nutritious, delicious, and are friendly to your braces. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Barry Glaser and Glaser Orthodontics near Yorktown, NY, or for more information, please call: 914.739.6400

As an effective way to improve looks, comfort and health with one treatment, braces are a smart investment for patients of all ages. Different types of braces, with a variety of advantages in a number of areas, are available to patients who want a healthy bite and straight teeth. Before getting orthodontics, patients can discuss their options with Dr. Glaser and the team at Glaser Orthodontics to ensure that they will be happy with their treatment and results. Here is more about the advantages of affordable braces near Jefferson Valley, NY and who is a candidate.

Advantages of Cost-Effective Orthodontics

Affordable braces near Jefferson Valley, NY offer multiple long-term benefits to patients who receive them. For example, patients may enjoy healthier teeth and increased confidence as their looks are improved by straighter teeth and more symmetrical smiles. Comfort during chewing is also improved when the teeth make contact correctly after being re-positioned. With all the nooks and crannies fitting properly, patients are less likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease and their potential complications, such as jaw bone deterioration and systemic illness. Finally, digestion and assimilation of nutrients is facilitated by teeth that can break down food with ease after correction.

Candidacy for Braces

Candidacy for affordable braces near Jefferson Valley, NY varies depending on treatment requirements, goals and method of treatment chosen. Certain types of correction may qualify for certain methods but not for others. When patients seek fast correction of minor bite irregularities, our orthodontist may recommend one of a few available rapid options. With different types of braces available to match preferences related to aesthetics, comfort and treatment time, patients can benefit from speaking to Dr. Glaser about their options to ensure that they are satisfied with their results.

Affordable braces near Jefferson Valley, NY are obtainable for patients who want to correct their teeth and enjoy a lifetime of improved well-being and appearance. Traditional metal braces, Invisalign, ceramic braces and lingual braces are just some of the options open to most individuals. By scheduling a consultation with Dr. Glaser, patients can learn more about the factors involved in the cost of braces and find out about their candidacy for individual treatments. Call Dr. Glaser at: 914.739.6400

Most folks who are undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Barry Glaser of Glaser Orthodontics near Yorktown Heights, NY don’t intend to make a statement with their braces. Then there are patients who do. If you are straightening your teeth with braces, why not spice them up a little with some color? Your orthodontist may offer different colored elastics that can be affixed around each bracket. They’re really called ligatures and are used to hold the arch-wire in place. They’re changed about every four-to-six weeks, so a patient can create a new look with each orthodontic treatment visit.

Tips for Choosing Color Braces

The common colors that patients choose for their ligatures include shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. Gold, dark blues, orange, green, or purple can complement a darker skin tone. Light blues, dark purples, and dark shades of red or pink can complement a lighter skin tone. Darker colors can make your teeth appear whiter; lighter colors can give your teeth a yellow tone. Which colors compliment your eyes? What colors coordinate with the clothing that you usually wear? You can choose to combine color braces for your favorite sports team or school organizations. The Glaser Orthodontics associates say that some patients like to get specific color schemes for certain holidays like red and green for Christmas, or red, white, and blue for Independence Day. There are some colors that you may want to avoid, however. Black, brown, or dark green may mimic food stuck in your teeth and white can possibly make your teeth appear yellow.

What Do the Colors Mean?

Your color and your style is your choice. To express yourself with your braces, consider these color braces and their meanings:

Red symbolizes energy, strength, and determination. It is an intense color with high visibility, but it’s possible to use a lighter or darker shade to reduce this effect.

Blue is often associated with depth and stability, as well as calm and tranquility. It is a masculine color that can create vibrant designs when combined with warmer colors like red or orange.

Purple is associated with royalty, wealth, luxury, and power. It can also symbolize wisdom, creativity, or mystery.

Green represents freshness, growth, and harmony. It can be associated with money or peace.

Orange symbolizes joy and happiness. Orange is highly visible and can be used to make exciting color combinations.

Yellow represents honor, loyalty, and cheerfulness. It also symbolizes intellect and energy. Just like red and orange, it’s a very visible color.

Now you’re ready to choose the colors of your elastics (ligatures)! If you’re looking for an expert orthodontist near Yorktown Heights, NY to help you choose some exciting new color braces, then talk to Dr. Barry Glaser and the Glaser Orthodontics team. They specialize in orthodontic care for kids and teens. Contact them for information or to schedule an appointment, call: 914.739.6400

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